Addendum to thermostat article by Peter Stringer

Here is a news flash for all those wanting to fit a thermostat in their tractions. I have finally found the Tridon equivalent for the one used in the Renault 5 that I talked about in an earlier blog. It has the same diameter as the French Vernet brand so should push into the top hose ok.

The part number is TT237-180P, the 180 stands for degrees F which is about 82 deg C. There are two other different temp to choose -170P at 77 deg C and -192P at 89 deg C. I chose the 180P as that was the same temp as the Vernet, the higher operating temp 192P may be better, let me know what you think.

I paid $71.50 and got it through Auto One in Sydney.

Peter Stringer

From Web Wallah:

Also received this information as well from Michael Hose & a much earlier comment which I neglected to post from Frank Scott.

Michael Hose.

Regarding the fitment of a thermostat to the Traction vide the last magazine, the Australian company Tridon currently lists P/No TT237-180P with the same specificationsas the item used by Peter. Any supplier would be able to source them for about $20.

Frank Scott.

Hello Bruce . read the article by Peter , and chatted briefly. Would you please pass on to Peter that I’like one of the thermostats he brought in from France .

I followed up with the main supplier in Aust, wibroc ? ( should know) anyway they sellonly one , of the same style as Peter brought in . It is too big diameter @ 42 mm (Traction water hose is 38 mm 1 ½’’

I also reread your article on coolants (great sympathy with your concerns for engine damage . I’ve done a lot of miles in the bush during the ‘60s and ‘70s, plenty of leaks and holed radiators)

Eggs into COLD water , or ground pepper , worked well. Never had any success with the stop leak products of the day . black Bostic worked well if you cut away the fins, to expose the damagd tube, and could flair it some.

Finally, What coolant to use today . certainly Not the organic additives. ( in older, and classic engines ,often with copper and brass, which for me means older Cummins and Caterpillar engines, not a good choice . also, these organic acids cause leaks, in weeks , at water gaskets and O rings. )

I use TRIZONE Multi Tech Plus ; in older machines , and have for years in my 1942 Willys Jeep. Yes it is green, (the Trizone ) has some glycole 33%; though at 20 :1 mix not much.
Anyway, etholene glycole is, a wetting agent: . for the coolant to better protect the liners .